How close was the US and Russia to a Nuclear Holocaust? 16 years later I learned from my military service friends. As my Navy friend 5 minutes to launch. And USAF buddies a horn blast. A chief in my Patrol Squadron ( P-3's) told me this.
He was a weapon specialist. His work center on the Aircraft carrier was order to pull out all the Nukes for action. They job was to make ready and arm the bombs. They carrier was stationed just out the Dardanelle Straights in the Aegean Sea. They where called to general quarters. Any aircraft that was nuclear capable was armed. The pilots had been placed on alert in their aircraft. Next everyone was mustered on desk. At this point each men was given a life vest. Next the Senior Chief informed them the plan. The course of action was to launch all the aircraft at the Soviet Union. Once the deck where cleared of action. The Carrier was going to narrowest spot in the Dardanelle Straight. There it would be turned sideways. As scuttled to block the black seas fleet from leaving into the Mediterranean sea. They would have 10 minutes to abandon ship. The swim to shore or boat to Turkey. To form up. As the Chief told it was a one way ticket for the aircrews. Where the aircraft was going to land was a mystery.
Next my Aircraft Maintenance Skip Kimberly.
I was a snort nose 1st Lt as Skip would said. That was assigned to a F-104C squadron. The Squadron got the call to deploy immediately to Key West. The airfield was crammed full of every type of aircraft. Because of the short range on his F-104C is why we where stationed. They flew combat patrols around Key West. After a few day. His Unit got the brief. You job to protect the fighter bombers. Even if you have to ram an enemy aircraft. As Skip said it sucked standing alert in you aircraft in the Caribbean heat. To him if he did make back his hope is that Key West would still be there. It was a relief when they where notified the Russian ships had changed course away from Cuba. Skip would later end up flying T-28 and other aircraft over Laos and the Ho Chin Min trail. Night interdiction and spotting missions for the fast mover. Skip was a great guy who respected.
This my story of the madness if the Cuba Crisis. Let us hope the Mad man in Russia comes to his senses.
Even among those who remember or are aware, I think just how close to the brink we were is lost on most. Again, fascinating info and thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have shared this. Being 74, one never knows if there will be a tomorrow. The period was an important one. These events are not taught in school. Thanks
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